I completely fell for New York City. Yes, I was totally dazzled by its glittering famous skyline, but up close I completely fell in love with its attitude, its people, the never-ending destinations to explore and its innate cool factor. It’s busy and chaotic, but everywhere you go, you discover new ideas, creative energy and an infectious sense of ambition. One simply cannot help but have fun and be endlessly inspired.
As the song goes: “Now you’re in New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of... these streets will make you feel brand new.” And they really will. So whether you are addicted to all things design or if you just want an adventure like no other, you won’t be disappointed.
Here’s my highlights:
TO TASTE
New York is packed with an overwhelming number of bars and restaurants - so it helps to have friends in the know to make some recommendations. And so on the Lower East Side we experienced Beauty & Essex. The extra-cool entrance is hidden behind a fully functioning pawn shop, opening into a foyer decked with a two-story crystal chandelier and a grand 10,000 square foot restaurant, bar, & lounge beyond - full of shamelessly glam people. Oh, and the food was perfect - “New American” style small plates to share. And did I mention there’s free champagne in the ladies?! Yes, really.
TO SHOP
It’s endless and fabulous! Macy’s for the shoes. Bloomingdales for the amazing store windows. SoHo for the smaller one-off boutiques. Century 21 for a designer deal. Or for a complete shopping hit (especially if a rainy day is forecast) head to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets for all your favourite fashion brands at seriously discounted prices.
TO EXPLORE
Top five and in no particular order:
Empire State Building
The views are of course legendary but the art deco architecture is amazing too.
Top tip: get there early to avoid the queues.Cycling Central Park
This green oasis is surprisingly big and cycling around it allows you to see as much as possible.
Top tip: stop for a well deserved glass of wine at the Loeb Boathouse.The Highline
Elevated on an old freight train track, the High Line was transformed into a contemporary park from Gansevoort Street North to W. 30th Street.
Top tip: again go early to avoid the crush - and if you’re starting in Chelsea, get coffee and breakfast at Chelsea Markets first. Then reward yourself after completing the Highline with a drink at the rooftop bar at the Gansevoort Hotel.Brooklyn Bridge
Traverse this iconic bridge for amazing views of Brooklyn and back to the New York skyline.
Top tip: yes, go early! And have breakfast when you get there at the Time Out Food Hall - seriously amazing food choice.The 9/11 Memorial and The Oculus
At the former site of the Twin Towers is a beautiful memorial - two enormous waterfalls and reflection pools, each about an acre in size - a fittingly serene and contemplative space in this crazy city. Next to this is the newly opened Oculus, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, to portray a dove in flight - the architecture, to my mind, an incredible contemporary take on a European cathedral. It is a transportation hub and the vast concourse houses a Westfield Mall like no other.
Top tip: after exploring, head for lunch to the new Eataly Downtown for 4180m² of breads, cheeses and fresh pasta.
TO EXPERIENCE
ABC Carpet & Home - the back story to this store is very special: in 1897 the current CEO’s great grandfather began selling carpets on the streets of New York. This modest start has now evolved into a destination store of four floors of treasures from all over the world, which still retains the flea market shopping feel of its past - albeit a rather high end one! From teapots to Turkish towels to tapestry artworks, ABC Carpet & Home is full of unique, handmade whimsical pieces with unexpected details that you won’t see anywhere else.
Restoration Hardware - a trip to any interior design mecca that is Restoration Hardware has to be one of the most inspiring places to spend an afternoon. This store is the stuff that designer dreams are made of (and not the bargain kind!). The New York City store is absolutely jaw dropping - 90,000 square feet of interiors gorgeousness sprawled across an incredible six floors in the uber cool Meatpacking District. More than selling pieces of furniture, RH is the complete interiors experience, with their pieces arranged in settings with a super stylish, highly curated, gallery like feel. A spectacular glass elevator whisks you up to the glass-ceilinged rooftop restaurant but don’t miss the amazing art installation in the stair well of 120 glass pendants dripping from the ceiling. The barista bar (and the baristas!) is gorgeous. Top tip: make sure you have a drink at the outdoor wine terrace to soak up amazing views of the Hudson River, One World Trace Center and Downtown Manhattan in a stunningly styled setting.
RW Guild - How many furniture stores also offer buckwheat crêpes or wine, a flower shop or a library? RW Guild New York does! Interior design company Roman and Williams have created a flagship store in SoHo the ultimate showcase of their now furniture, lighting and accessories as well a beautifully curated collection of homewares. Top tip: even if you don’t stop for a meal, you must at least have coffee at La Mercerie Cafe, their gorgeous French cafe.
